The Curry Leaf Indian restaurant in The Parade, Old Coulsdon, has just introduced a number of exciting new dishes to its menu. The restaurant has created its own recipes using fresh ingredients and my daughter Jenny and I got to taste some of the new recipes when we visited in January.

Ali Uddin, owner of The Curry Leaf, explained that they have improved the choice of the chillis they use so that they can use less quantity of chilli to get the same effect, which is much kinder to the digestive system!

Our meal consisted mainly of a selection from the new range, with Ali serving us King Prawn Grill Suka (flame grilled king prawns fried with onions and peppers) and Mass Biran (freshwater white fish marinated with spices and pan fried) for starters.

The aromatic relish was a wonderful accompaniment to the gentle spiciness of the fish which Ali said was just right for the cold, damp weather.

Jenny had said that Chicken Korma was her favourite Indian dish, so alongside Chicken Korma, we were also served two new dishes, Wild Duck Breast Honey and Momtaj Chicken (chicken breast cooked in highly flavoured Indian herbs) with plain naan bread and mushroom rice. Ali said that the duck breast had proved to be especially popular with his customers as well as the spring lamb chops.

The lovely big portions of honey duck were superb. The Momtaj Chicken had a stronger flavour, but had been flavoured by the chef so as not to be too hot for us. Jenny and I agreed that it was lovely to try something different, and we both thoroughly appreciated being introduced to such wonderful new flavours.

Jenny, a uni student, was in heaven, saying: "I can't wait to tell my friends what I have eaten this evening, they'll be so jealous!" The Curry Leaf offers a home delivery service within the local area if you fancy a treat and a break from the kitchen.

Ali said that their Sunday Lunch Buffet where you can eat as much as you like for £8.95 (£4.95 for children and free for under-fives) gives diners a great opportunity to try new dishes alongside their old favourites.

The restaurant provides great service and very pleasant surroundings and would be a great choice for a romantic meal for two this Valentine's Day. For more information or to book a table call 01737 558899.